Michelle Obama, First Lady of fashion, celebrated in new book

[jefferson_dem]

Michelle Obama, First Lady of fashion, celebrated in new book
BY Leah Chernikoff
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Sunday, April 26th 2009, 4:00 AM



As Michelle Obama nears her first 100 days as First Lady, a new book celebrates her fabulous fashion choices. “It’s her journey to the White House through the filter of her style,” says former fashion mag editor-in-chief Mandi Norwood, author of “Michelle Style: Celebrating the First Lady of Fashion” (William Morrow, $19.99) out May 5, which chronicles Mrs. O’s signature looks — from the belted purple sheath dress she wore on the night her husband got the nomination, to the $148 White House/Black Market black-and-white print dress she bought off the rack.

“Each outfit has a story around it,” says Norwood, who recalls the yellow J.Crew ensemble the First Lady wore on Jay Leno — which she purchased online for under $340.

“Suddenly we had this vision of the next First Lady sitting in bed, next to Barack, shopping online.”

Yes, she’s just like us, and that’s part of the appeal. “In the past, First Ladies have always been slightly aloof,” says Norwood. “You’ve never really been able to emulate their style, even if you wanted to.”

But Mrs. O’s love of pencil skirts, button down cardigans, simple sheath dresses and her liberal use of a thick black belt make her style approachable. And when she wears off-rack-pieces from J.Crew or H &M, we can get the exact looks ourselves.

“I think she will reignite what America is known for in fashion and that is classic American sportswear,” says Norwood. “Bright separates, really comfortable clothes, clothes you don’t have to be a millionaire to look good in.”

<SNIP>

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2009/04/26/2009-04-26_michelle_obama_first_lady_of_fashion_celebrated_in_new_book.html

[KittyWampus]

1. someone sneak in and steal that freaking belt!

It'd be fine if it was a nice slim one.

LOVE YOU MICHELLE OBAMA!

No matter what you wear

[MADem]

2. I think Mrs. Obama is a nice person, a great role model, an inspiration to young women,

but I think that outfit with the big old bow is just FUGLY.

Fugly, fugly, FUGLY!

I'm no fashion expert, but I know what appeals to my eye. That doesn't. It's mercifully not some clown color, but other than that, it's just horrid. It looks like a sixth grader made it out of an old bedsheet, a sweater that got shrunk in the dryer, and Fido's collar.

However, she's a professional individual with a wide range of both life and work experience. I think that defines her. She doesn't have to be defined by "fabric" of assorted colors that is sewn together in certain oddball ways, and maybe, just maybe, she wears hideous shit just to force people to play an "Emperor's New Clothes" game with her.

I'd love to read her memoir in eight years' time and find out that this silly idea was in fact, true.

[madmom]

3. I agree, I don't get the belt.

[glowing]

4. The belt is to move your eyes off of her hips.. she doesn't have large

breasts, so you have to move the eyes up somehow.. she does it with the belt worn high. gives a slimming look. However, she does the belt thing just a bit too much. Instead of wearing it on the outside of the cardigans, she should wear is just underneath.. next to the blouse and let the cardigans hang with their shape.

[Muttocracy]

7. thanks - that's what I was trying to figure out -

it's the belt OVER the cardigan that doesn't look right. Plus to me that belt looks like a cheap fake patent leather thing from the 1980s. Usually I admire her fashion sense (I'm more likely to be mistaken for Susan Boyle), but there are a few 1980s colors and items that creep in! :)

[FrenchieCat]

5. Of all of the outfits she has worn, and most have been magnificent....

not sure why the Big Bow one is what was chosen for that article.

[Beacool]

6. Poor choice of pic.....................

Not one of her better choices.

;(

[Muttocracy]

8. We haven't even had 100 days of fashion yet!

:shrug: